Scientists believe rare rescue is a sign that the fearsome reptiles may be capable of compassion
In an apparent example of interspecies compassion, a group of crocodiles appeared to usher a dog to safety after it fell into a dangerous river.
The dog, believed to be a stray, was being chased by a pack of other feral canines when it jumped into the River Savirtri in India out of harm’s way, or so it thought.
But the river was infested by local mugger crocodiles, and three of them were floating near the stray.
This should have been the end of the helpless pup, with the crocs being “well within the striking range,” according to a report published by scientists in the Journal of Threatening Taxa.
However, the crocodiles appeared to usher the dog back to safety on the shore.
“These crocodiles were actually touching the dog with their snouts and nudging it to move further for a safe ascent on the bank and eventually escape,” the researchers wrote.
“The muggers were well within the striking range and could have easily devoured the dog, yet none of them attacked and instead chose to nudge it towards the bank, implying that the hunger drive was absent.”
The researchers say that the crocodiles were “docile”. Adult male mugger crocs can reach 18 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, according to the Wildlife Institute of India.
The researchers said they believe that the pup rescue could be a sign of the crocs having emotional intelligence.
“The curious case of a dog ‘rescued’ by the group of crocodiles reported here seems more on lines of empathy than altruistic behaviour,” the scientists said.
Aside from the muggers’ apparent alliance with stray dogs, scientists discovered another wholesome obsession that the crocs appeared to have: marigold flowers.
Crocodiles are often seen floating or laying in marigolds, often keeping “physical contact” with the yellow flowers, which the researchers note have compounds that can protect skin from fungi and bacteria.
The Savitri River is polluted with sewage and other harmful ingredients, so this may be why they like to have contact with the petals.
Echoes of Suffering: A Dog’s Tale of Exhaustion, Tears, and Hope Amidst the Agony of an Iron Bar Attack
It is heartbreaking to hear that a dog was impaled by a stick. The animal had to go through tremendous agony and suffering before being saved. However, the road to recovery can be beautiful, and the dog can recover completely with proper care and attention.
When a dog gets impaled by a rod, the first goal is to get the item out of the dog’s way as soon and safely as possible. This may need surgery or other medical intervention, and it is critical to seek emergency veterinarian care to maintain the animal’s stability and safety.
After the dog’s immediate medical needs have been met, it is critical to concentrate on his long-term recovery. This may include giving patients pain relievers, wound care, and other medical treatments as required.
Additionally, to help the dog cope with the trauma of the experience, it is critical to provide emotional support and care. Following such a traumatic event, dogs may experience anxiety, fear, and other emotional distress, and it is critical to provide them with a calm and nurturing environment to help them feel safe and secure.
Professional assistance from a trained dog trainer or behaviorist may also be required to assist the dog in overcoming emotional trauma and rebuilding trust in people. Positive reinforcement training approaches might make the dog feel more secure and comfortable.
It’s essential to note that recovering from such a traumatic incident takes time and patience, but with the right care and attention, dogs like the one that was poked may make a full recovery. They may rediscover the ability to trust and love, and live happy and full lives with their new families.
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